In the process of second language acquisition, the ability to interact
effectively is critical. But what does it mean to be interactively competent?
This book addresses this question by presenting research on the development of
interactional competence among learners of Japanese as a second language.
Qualitative data collected on learners studying abroad in Japan is evaluated to
explain changes in their interactional competence and provides specific insights
into the learning of Japanese. The situated analysis of multiple data sets
generates meaningful interpretations of the development of interactional
competence and the learner-specific factors that shape developmental
trajectories. Moreover, the context of the research provides insights into the
types of learning